The Best Shoes for Ankle Support: Solutions for Pain and Weakness

Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by Andy Walker

Ankle injuries are painful conditions that can make it impossible for you to do your everyday tasks. These injuries are caused by over-rotation of your ankles. And wearing an ankle support pair of shoes can keep you safe and prevent these injuries.

Ankle support is a crucial factor in shoes if you spend a huge percentage of your day on your feet. The right ankle support can take the stress off your ankles and make sure that you are comfortable the whole day.

Proper ankle support is ideal for people who play sports that require them to be quick on their feet. It is also ideal for individuals who love hiking on difficult terrain. Shoes with ankle support will keep you from rolling your ankles when doing these activities.

If you have ever sprained your ankle when running, you know the benefits of shoes with ankle support. However, choosing the right ankle support footwear can be quite tricky. So, we have prepared this review of the best shoes for ankle support on the market.

So, let’s dive right in…

The Best Shoes for Ankle Support Are…

Product	Details
1. Ryka Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoes	Top Pick	Sole: rubber Material: synthetic Size: 4-12.5 (US)	Check Current Price
2. ASICS Gel Venture 6		Sole: rubber Material: synthetic Size: 4-12 (US)	Check Current Price
3. Under Armour Curry 3 Shoes		Sole: rubber Material: synthetic Size: 7-16 (US)	Check Current Price
4. KEEN Targhee II Hiking Boots		Sole: rubber Material: Nubuck leather Size: 7-17 (US)	Check Current Price
5. Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes		Sole: Vibram Material: mesh and 100% suede leather Size: 7-16 (US)	Check Current Price
6. Kork-Ease Ryder		Sole: rubber Material: leather Size: 4-14 (US)	Check Current Price
7. Propet Stability Walker Strap		Sole: rubber Material: leather Size: 7-15 (US)	Check Current Price

1. Ryka Tenacity Cross-Trainer Shoes — Best Shoes for Ankle Pain

The Ryka tenacity is stylish footwear that was designed for dance aerobics and high-intensity training. This cross-trainer provides joint security and support throughout your entire feet.

Ryka is known for making shoes for the structure and shape of feet, and this one is ideal for active women. It is a great option for women who need protection, but at the same time, need a full range of motion.

With the higher uppers and lace-up enclosure, this footwear provides maximum ankle support. With Ryka tenacity cross-trainer, you will never have to worry about your footing or joints when dancing. The rubber sole of this shoe is made with pivoting in mind.

Therefore, you can easily move from one spot to the other during your high-intensity workouts or aerobics. This cross-trainer also features direct-fuse and flex-foil materials that provide stability. The Velcro strap on the midfoot provides a secure fit.

This affordable footwear can serve you perfectly in the gym by providing the needed ankle support. It is a great option for those unique moves in your Zumba, Tae Bo, aerobics and dance. However, it can be a tad heavy for some people.

Overall Rating – 4.2 out of 5

Conclusion

Ryka tenacity is a great shoe for women who need proper ankle support and stylish shoe. Even though it doesn’t come in a wide range of colors, it does provide the needed support.

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2. ASICS Gel Venture 6 — Best Running Shoes for Weak Ankles

ASICS is known for producing comfortable and breathable shoes, and Gel-Venture 6 is no exception. Gel-Venture 6 was designed with a unique upper and midsole that takes shock absorbency to another level.

ASCIS added an extra gel layer on the heel region to assist with shock absorption. The rearfoot gel eases shock during the impact phase. The additional gel absorbs the stress from running before it’s generated through the shoe into your feet.

Since it comes with a removable sockliner, you can use customized inserts with these shoes. For such a reliable pair of shoes, Gel-Venture 6 is affordable.

Its lace-up closure is adjustable, and its gum rubber sole provides good grip and smooth traction. However, some users have complained that the upper starts to peel off when used on expert or moderate trails.

Overall Rating – 4.6 out 5

Conclusion

Gel-Venture 6 is a great shoe for weak ankles as it provides the needed comfort and support.

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3. Under Armour Curry 3 Shoes

Symbolic of one of the world’s greatest basketball player, this pair provides control and support in a light package. This shoe comes in a wide range of colors; therefore, you can find one that fits your style.

This high-rise shoe is ideal for all sports like basketball that will have you jumping and running. Other than keeping you safe during the fast runs and high jumps, Curry 3 is very flexible. Therefore, it can allow you to move as much as you want on the court.

Curry 3 comes with a rubber sole that provides proper traction when running on slick surfaces. The entire tongue of Curry 3 is made from mesh, which can keep your feet dry the whole day.

It features an Anafoam technology that gives it a body-mapped structure and fit. The meta wing guarantees locked-in support. Curry 3 can absorb shocks from fighting for a rebound and then take you across the court comfortably. Curry 3 will improve your game.

This shoe has charged cushioning technology for shock absorption and a carbon fiber shank for extra stability. However, some users have complained that the sole got separated from the front.

Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Curry 3 is great for people looking for shoes that are both functional and stylish. These shoes will provide great ankle support while helping you improve your game on the court.

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4. KEEN Targhee II Hiking Boots

Targhee II is a great hiking boot for people with joint issues. KEEN made these shoes to be comfortable, supportive, and rugged enough for the outdoors. These boots will transport you through a wide range of terrains without affecting your ankles. It has a heel lock that makes it possible for you to adjust the support level.

Nobody is ever comfortable when working out or hiking while wearing damp shoes. Thanks to the keen. Dry membrane, these shoes can keep your foot comfortable and dry. This waterproof membrane allows vapor out without letting water into the shoe. This breathable membrane keeps your feet dry for an extended period.

It has an all-terrain rubber sole that guarantees you high-traction grip while you walk on different terrains. Its unique rubber outsole leaves no marking when walking indoors. Its contoured heels provide extra stability. The mid-cut height and the ESS (external support shank) provides balance and ankle support.

Targhee II comes with a removable dual-density EVA footbed. The Metatomical footbed design conforms to your foot’s natural shape, thus providing additional support. However, many users have complained that it is not durable.

Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5

Conclusion

Targhee II is a unique shoe that makes it possible for people with joint issues to go hiking. These hiking shoes are comfortable and are designed to handle different types of terrains.

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5. Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes

Moab 2 is a great option for hikers with ankle issues as it can offer the needed support. Moab 2 features a mid-rise top that can protect your ankles from being sprained when you are hiking.

These shoes are light enough, so you don’t have to worry about fatigue when hiking. Moab 2 is available in 3 neutral colors. The upper of Moab 2 is made out of mesh and 100% suede leather.

This unique combination makes it one of the most durable and breathable hiking boot in the market. Thanks to the breathable mesh lining, your feet can be dry and comfortable the whole day.

The Vibram sole guarantees you extra shock absorption and padding while walking on rough terrains. And to protect your toes, it has a rubber toe cap. The rubber toe cap might not protect you from heavy objects, but it can keep your toes safe.

Moab 2 comes with a molded arch-shank that provides additional arch support. The molded arch shank takes off the stress of walking from other parts of your feet. The Merrel Air cushioning provides additional stability while acting as a shock absorber. However, many users have complained that this shoe is not durable.

Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Moab 2 is a lightweight hiking boot that is ideal for anyone who needs ankle support. It is designed to give you peace of mind while you hike with family members and friends.

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6. Kork-Ease Ryder

Instead of supporting the ankles, most dress shoes expose the women’s ankles. There are a few dress shoes that offer ankle support in the market, and one of them is Kork-Ease Ryder.

With Kork-Ease, you can have a pain-free and comfortable day. Other than being versatile and cute, these shoes can provide you with the needed ankle support. This pair comes with a cushioned leather footbed and a leather lining for lasting comfort. The additional reinforcement will keep your ankles safe.

And the rear zipper makes it easy for you to wear and take them off. It comes with a unique sole that has a 1-inch high heel. The middle part of the sole has non-slip traction while the heel has a rubber traction grip.

Plus, it’s available in a wide range of colors. Therefore, you can pick a pair that fits your style. However, some users have complained about its durability.

Overall Rating – 4.3 out of 5

Conclusion

Kork-Ease is a beautiful ankle support pair of boots that you can wear to any formal occasion. It is a unique dress shoe that offers both comfort and ankle support without compromising on style.

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7. Propet Stability Walker Strap

This shoe is medicare approved for people with diabetes, and it provides comfort, support, and stability. It is ideal for long walks or going to work since it offers durability and great traction. It also comes with a removable footbed; therefore, it’s custom orthotics friendly. Propet Walker shoe is a great option for people who require extra ankle support.

This stylish shoe comes with two adjustable straps that are quite easy to use. Plus, it’s upper has numerous fashionable detailed perforations and stitching that help keep your feet dry. The padded collar and tongue prevent frictions and rubbing while providing comfort.

The EVA midsole helps you maintain the right posture when walking while providing arch support. Its wide sole provides extra stability while built-in heel stabilizer provides additional; support. Its rubber sole has numerous durable patterns for grip and traction. However, the straps are not very durable.

Overall Rating – 4 out of 5

Conclusion

These comfortable walking shoes provide the needed ankle support and stability.

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How To Select The Best Shoes For Ankle Support

An ankle injury is a severe condition that can make it impossible for you to do your daily tasks. These injuries can be caused by over-rotation of your ankles. And they are quite common among people who take part in sports that need them to make quick movements.

Luckily, these injuries can be prevented or managed by wearing the right pair of ankle support shoes. Choosing the right pair can be quite challenging, especially with the many options in the market. Remember, this problem can be worsened by wearing the wrong shoes.

So, here are some top features to consider when purchasing the best hoes for ankle problems:

Comfort

One of the key things to consider when buying ankle support shoes is comfort. If your shoes are not comfortable, you might not enjoy all the benefits they have to offer.

Flexibility

Stiff pairs of shoes that don’t bend or flex when walking are not ideal for people with ankle problems.  The toe and the ball of the foot region must flex easily with little to no resistance. Wearing stiff shoes can worsen your situation.

Midsole

Another key aspect of supportive shoes to consider is midsoles. The right midsole should be comfortable and provide the right arch support. Shoes with the right arch support can easily remove extra stress from other parts of your foot. It should conform to your foot’s shape.

The midsole should also provide added padding to help absorb the shock when running or walking. Most midsoles are made using leather, cork, gel, and form. Form midsoles are more supportive and greater with pressure relief and ankle support.

Upper

The upper of the best ankle support shoes should be made from breathable, flexible and soft materials. The upper must be able to support your ankle region and prevent ankle rolls.

So look for shoes with a durable upper that is designed to provide the needed ankle support. Remember, the overall quality of any shoes is determined by the material used to make the upper.

Ankle Support

The shoes provide different kinds of ankle supports. So, you must know the type of support that you need. If you love playing basketball, you need shoes with a lot of support.

If you hike or run a lot, then you require shoes with mild ankle support. With mild support, you can make a wide range of movements, which is crucial when hiking.

Final Thoughts

An ankle injury is a painful and debilitating condition that can affect anyone. This problem can be caused by something as simple as jogging or walking on uneven surfaces.

Luckily, this problem can be managed or prevented by wearing the right ankle shoes. But, with the many ankle support shoes in the market, choosing an ideal pair can be quite tricky. The best ankle support shoes incorporate several unique features.

These shoes are designed to help you walk peacefully without ever worrying about spraining your knees. We have prepared the best options for people with ankle problems.

And from our research, we have concluded that RYKA Tenacity is the best shoe for ankle support. RYKA Tenacity has a higher upper and lace-up enclosure that provides ample ankle support.